As more players come off the injury list and back onto the field, the Crusaders coaching staff have a tough job on their hands each week as their selection pool grows larger and more competitive.

Coach Rob Penney explains the reasons for this week’s changes. “Were trying to grow the depth and breadth of the group, and so from time to time, there are changes...the group that we have selected this week will do the job”

A few new faces are back in the mix this week as the Crusaders prepare to take on Moana Pasifika on Saturday 29 March at Apollo Projects Stadium at 7.05pm.

Jamie Hannah makes his long-awaited return to lock following a shoulder injury that’s kept him sidelined since the start of the season. He’ll be paired at lock with the experience of Scott Barrett.

George Bower will come off the bench this week to start at prop alongside Fletcher Newell, while Ioane Moananu will start at hooker following his man of the match performance against the Blues last week at Eden Park.

Cullen Grace will keep the number 6 jersey while Ethan Blackadder returns from injury to start at openside.

22-year-old Fletcher Anderson is another that’s back from injury and will round out the forward pack at number 8.

WATCH: Team naming v Moana Pasifika

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Noah Hotham is back starting at halfback, while James O’Connor will get his first start in the red and black at number 10.

"Starting James at 10 gives Taha a chance to pull out from leading the group. I’ve spoken regularly about his talent and his growth in a short space of time, we’re just want to make sure that we manage that, and make sure that should something untoward happen, we have some players at the ready that have had some time in the saddle...there’s a lot similarities between them. The beauty of those two is that they feed off each other” Penney said.

After making his Crusaders debut against the Western Force, Xavier Saifoloi is back in the reserves, as well as Rivez Reihana who has recovered from an ankle injury.

Try scorching machine Macca Springer has earned himself a start on the left wing and will be supported by Chay Fihaki on the right.

Captain David Havili is set to take on his little brother William – Moana Pasifika first-five - and will start at centre alongside Dallas McLeod.

Will Jordan is solidifying his place in the number 15 jersey and will again start at fullback to round out the backline.

Penney is rapt with the attacking nous that attack coach James Marshall is bringing to the campaign. “There’s confidence building in the shapes we are showing... you keep having to evolve the game...The great thing about this environment is that we have some great rugby brains in the playing roster. Having the availability of Will Jordan, David Havili and Dallas McLeod regularly is just awesome for the vibrancy of the attacking conversations”

Crusaders team to face Moana Pasifika: